Mr. Foster's 5th Grade Learning Page
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Friday, November 21, 2025
Dear Shepardson Families,
It’s finally here: Thanksgiving Break!!! While we are all ready for it, our team would like to take a moment to let you know how grateful we are for you and your children! We couldn’t be more appreciative of your support and their curiosity. We love this group of fifth graders! This is a tough job to be certain, however, it is one we highly value and are committed to each day. We are so thankful we get to work with such fantastic families each day here at Shepardson, many thanks to you all!
Math
In mathematics, we are revisiting dividing numbers. This requires a review of the connection between multiplying and dividing as “inverse-operations,” which allows them to lean on their comfort with multiplication to help them think through a division problem. After break we will be looking at the “area-model” view of division followed by the “standard-algorithm” that we (at least Mr. Foster) grew up using. Our hope is to develop confidence determining how large numbers are shared-equally through division. As always, class materials are shared on Mr. Foster’s math learning page!
Reading
In reading, we are currently working in Module 2 which centers on the topic of Biodiversity in the Rainforest with an emphasis on informational (non-fiction) text reading. Students are showing great interest in this topic and enjoying learning all they can about why rainforests are important and should be studied. Our work is currently focused on the different types of text structures found in informational texts and how this applies to writing summaries.
Writing
In writing, students have been working on a writing piece describing their favorite plate of food, and they also completed an art project to accompany their work. As we wrap up this unit, we will begin incorporating daily writing warm-ups to strengthen skills and build stamina in preparation for the upcoming MAPS testing and the spring CMAS assessments. Looking ahead, we will be working on narrative writing to supplement their learning in Module Block.
Healthy Hearts
We are fortunate to have UCHealth educators visiting us when we return from break to provide a unique opportunity for students to learn about heart-healthy living while also offering a free, personalized health screening so kids can start “learning their numbers.” The private health screening is optional with your permission. If you and your child are interested, please complete the permission form at the following link: redcap.link/hhscreening UChealth staff are unable to provide the screening without your permission, so please make sure to complete this form if you are at all interested. Otherwise your child will only participate in the in-class portion of Healthy Hearts on Monday, 12/1 and Tuesday, 12/2.
Hygiene
As fifth graders continue to grow, many are reaching stages of development where regular/daily hygiene becomes especially important. Lately, we’ve noticed that many students are beginning to experience stronger natural body odor, which is very common at this age. To help keep everyone comfortable and confident throughout the school day, we kindly ask for your support at home with daily hygiene routines. This may include regular bathing, using deodorant, and making sure clothes worn to school are clean. We truly appreciate your partnership in helping our students develop healthy habits and feel their best at school. If you have any questions or need resources, please feel free to reach out.
Thank you for your continued support! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week,
Fifth Grade Team
Upcoming Dates:
Monday & Tuesday, Dec. 1 & 2- Healthy Hearts presentations, 1:10-2:10p
Tuesday, Dec. 9- Math MAP test, 10:15a-12:15p
Wednesday, Dec. 10- Reading MAP test, 10:15a-12:15p
Friday, Dec. 12- Healthy Hearts screenings, 9a-12p
Monday, Dec. 15- Spelling Bee, 9:00a-12:00p, Internet Safety presentation, 2:30p-3:30p
Wednesday, Dec. 17- PBL panel, 11:00a-12:20p
Friday, Dec. 19- Last day of first semester, winter party, 3:00-3:35p
Tuesday, Jan. 6- First day of second semester
Friday, Jan. 16- YES concert field trip, 12:25-1:10p
Friday, October 24th, 2025
Dear Shepardson Families,
We sure hope you had a wonderful long weekend/Fall Break last week! Thank you for your time and support during Academic Conferences, we truly value your input and partnership on behalf of your fifth grader. We have a lot of upcoming fun things planned so please read carefully to stay informed!
Read-A-Thon
Next Friday, 10/31 will be “party-central” at Shepardson. Costumes are to be based on book characters and may only include a mask during the parade at 9:15am but must be removed afterwards. Please remind students that their costumes cannot include weapons or gore. The school hosts a read-a-thon most of the day, so kids are encouraged to bring their favorite blanket, pillow/stuffed animal and a flashlight/headlamp to get COZY with their books! The fifth grade party will be at 3:00p until the end of the day. Thanks to the Room Parents for setting up the fun celebrations!
***We are planning to reward our students by watching the PG movie, “Holes,” next Friday. They have been listening to it as a read aloud and are loving it! It is a live-action movie on Disney+. If you prefer that your child not watch it, please let us know by Wed, 10/29. Students who opt out will participate in an alternate activity during the viewing.***
School of Choice
The application process will be opening up soon on Monday, 11/3! Make sure you check out which school is your neighborhood Middle School if you don’t already know: https://www.psdschools.org/school-resources/school-locator . Many middle schools have opportunities for 5th graders to shadow middle school students to experience the school in an authentic way and can help you decide on where to go. Here are some important dates and links to use:
Mon., Nov. 3, 2025 – School of Choice online enrollment for K-12 students begins!
Mon., Nov. 3 - Dec. 15, 2025– First-round school choice application period. Bookmark this page, where the school choice application will become available on Nov. 3rd.
Thurs., Nov. 6 - Lesher Open House & Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:30p
Wed., Nov. 12 - Boltz Open House, 5:00-7:00p
Field Trips: Fifth Grade will be going to Boltz Middle School for their electives showcase on Tues, 11/11, 9:15-11:00a. Those permission slips will be coming home soon for you to sign.
Reading: In Unit 2, we have been discussing metaphors in our reading of Esperanza Rising. This work has included identifying them and understanding their meaning so we can continue the work of identifying themes that are present in this story. Be sure to ask them where in the story arc we currently are (Rising Action) and why. I’d love for them to be able to explain this to you. We also continue to work on written responses to reading by answering comprehension questions for practice.
Writing: This week we have been writing paragraphs about how characters in Esperanza Rising react to various events. Students have done an amazing job including topic sentences, evidence from the text with reasoning and a strong concluding sentence. We also took some time to write poems about falling leaves to practice metaphors, synonyms and antonyms.
Math: This week we have been reviewing multi-digit multiplication and finding which strategy works best for them to better understand how multiplying numbers works. We demonstrated our understanding of the concept on posters to show previous learning. Soon we will include decimals in multiplication; stay tuned! As always, the class slideshows are on the math learning page!
PBL: We have officially kicked off our Fall Problem Based Learning unit on Horsetooth Reservoir. We are addressing the question, “How can we keep Horsetooth Reservoir safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone? If you’re an expert or connected to the park or water quality, we’d love to have you share your expertise with our fifth graders! Stay tuned for more!
Have a wonderful weekend :)
Fifth Grade Team
Upcoming Events:
Monday, October 27th- Thursday, October 30th- Lockdown Drill Week
Friday, October 31st - Read-A-Thon Book Character Costume Parade & class party
Thursday, November 6th - Rollerland Night, 5-8p
Tuesday, November 11th - Boltz Elective Showcase 9:30-11:30a (PERMISSION SLIP)
Thursday, November 13th - STEM Night @ Shepardson! 5:30-7:30p
Monday, November 24th - Friday, November 28th - Thanksgiving Break!
Friday, October 24th, 2025
Dear Shepardson Families,
We sure hope you had a wonderful long weekend/Fall Break last week! Thank you for your time and support during Academic Conferences, we truly value your input and partnership on behalf of your fifth grader. We have a lot of upcoming fun things planned so please read carefully to stay informed!
Read-A-Thon
Next Friday, 10/31 will be “party-central” at Shepardson. Costumes are to be based on book characters and may only include a mask during the parade at 9:15am but must be removed afterwards. Please remind students that their costumes cannot include weapons or gore. The school hosts a read-a-thon most of the day, so kids are encouraged to bring their favorite blanket, pillow/stuffed animal and a flashlight/headlamp to get COZY with their books! The fifth grade party will be at 3:00p until the end of the day. Thanks to the Room Parents for setting up the fun celebrations!
***We are planning to reward our students by watching the PG movie, “Holes,” next Friday. They have been listening to it as a read aloud and are loving it! It is a live-action movie on Disney+. If you prefer that your child not watch it, please let us know by Wed, 10/29. Students who opt out will participate in an alternate activity during the viewing.***
School of Choice
The application process will be opening up soon on Monday, 11/3! Make sure you check out which school is your neighborhood Middle School if you don’t already know: https://www.psdschools.org/school-resources/school-locator . Many middle schools have opportunities for 5th graders to shadow middle school students to experience the school in an authentic way and can help you decide on where to go. Here are some important dates and links to use:
Mon., Nov. 3, 2025 – School of Choice online enrollment for K-12 students begins!
Mon., Nov. 3 - Dec. 15, 2025– First-round school choice application period. Bookmark this page, where the school choice application will become available on Nov. 3rd.
Thurs., Nov. 6 - Lesher Open House & Curriculum Night, 6:00-7:30p
Wed., Nov. 12 - Boltz Open House, 5:00-7:00p
Field Trips: Fifth Grade will be going to Boltz Middle School for their electives showcase on Tues, 11/11, 9:15-11:00a. Those permission slips will be coming home soon for you to sign.
Reading: In Unit 2, we have been discussing metaphors in our reading of Esperanza Rising. This work has included identifying them and understanding their meaning so we can continue the work of identifying themes that are present in this story. Be sure to ask them where in the story arc we currently are (Rising Action) and why. I’d love for them to be able to explain this to you. We also continue to work on written responses to reading by answering comprehension questions for practice.
Writing: This week we have been writing paragraphs about how characters in Esperanza Rising react to various events. Students have done an amazing job including topic sentences, evidence from the text with reasoning and a strong concluding sentence. We also took some time to write poems about falling leaves to practice metaphors, synonyms and antonyms.
Math: This week we have been reviewing multi-digit multiplication and finding which strategy works best for them to better understand how multiplying numbers works. We demonstrated our understanding of the concept on posters to show previous learning. Soon we will include decimals in multiplication; stay tuned! As always, the class slideshows are on the math learning page!
PBL: We have officially kicked off our Fall Problem Based Learning unit on Horsetooth Reservoir. We are addressing the question, “How can we keep Horsetooth Reservoir safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone? If you’re an expert or connected to the park or water quality, we’d love to have you share your expertise with our fifth graders! Stay tuned for more!
Have a wonderful weekend :)
Fifth Grade Team
Upcoming Events:
Monday, October 27th- Thursday, October 30th- Lockdown Drill Week
Friday, October 31st - Read-A-Thon Book Character Costume Parade & class party
Thursday, November 6th - Rollerland Night, 5-8p
Tuesday, November 11th - Boltz Elective Showcase 9:30-11:30a (PERMISSION SLIP)
Thursday, November 13th - STEM Night @ Shepardson! 5:30-7:30p
Monday, November 24th - Friday, November 28th - Thanksgiving Break!
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